Style Icon: Jenny Lewis

There are many reasons why I am totally in love with Jenny Lewis. She is beautiful, talented, stylish, alluring; all these things combine dexterously to make her whole persona effortlessly captivating. Most famous for being a singer-songwriter from LA, Jenny has done every other showbiz thing in between, and she’s seemingly done it all with an ease to be envied. Her vintage, retro-inspired style is enticing and enthralling. It boasts a modesty that doesn’t scream superstar, but rather the kind of look that we as ModCloth followers are striving for everyday.

Continue reading to learn what makes Jenny Lewis a style icon.

First and foremost, I adore Jenny’smusic, and she’s perhaps most famous for her indie band, Rilo Kiley. Jenny Lewis has always been a trendsetter, and the picture above shows the cheeky retro style that is her trademark. The quirky band image finds its foundations in her fashion, and her dazzling stripy dress in this image is combined with statement-making knee-high socks, creating an absolutely gorgeous, boisterous ensemble. Rilo Kiley’s music is pretty and elegant, and launched me into many an internal philosophical debate when I heard the lyrics at the tender age of 15. For example in the song “More Adventurous” she sings, “I read with every broken heart you should become more adventurous.” Incidentally, I first heard this song around the time I first got my heart broken, which resulted in my getting my ears pierced six more times. I’m not so sure this can be counted as adventurous, but still, those lyrics definitely made me realize a few things about how life works. The album More Adventurous spoke to me, and although it was the third record for the band, it was probably where they achieved most recognition.

It isn’t just with Rilo Kiley that Jenny Lewis has made her musical mark, and it is her charming and calming voice that makes her such a sought after artist. Among many other notable awesome indie and alternative bands, she has contributed vocals to music by The Postal Service and Bright Eyes. In 2006, Jenny Lewis released her solo debut album, Rabbit Fur Coat, recorded with The Watson Twins. The picture above shows the artists together, and her move from cute music to a somber, more serious style is reflected in her sophisticated dress while still maintaining the indie alternative style that reflects her personality so aptly. The album was bought for me as a present, and it took me to a calm place where it was okay to be bitter, cynical, and reflective, though in a completely different way to the brooding that Alanis Morrissette’s music took me to. It is an eclectic mix of folk, country, alternative and soul, and it has a chimerical way that relaxes and soothes its audience. It is in this album that Jenny told us, “You are what you love and not what loves you back.” I love her, and if that means we share any of the same attributes, then I am very happy about that indeed.

Jenny Lewis was a child star, featuring in commericals, TV shows, and films. Yet her past hasn’t dictated her future, and the two facets of her being are completely separate. In fact, I had no idea she even had such a showbiz history when I set out to write this post, and because of my research, watching “Troop Beverly Hills” is now at the top of my must-see movie list! The picture above can be described simply as retro – she may not have been the style icon we know and adore today, but she certainly was a cutie!

I love to see one of my favorite stars appreciating another of my favorites stars. It’s like a calm and harmonious cycle that should not be broken. In this pic above, Jenny Lewis is donning an everyday casual look while advertising her new album Acid Tongue. Her handsome hat and gorgeous high-waisted jeans make for a folksy and nonchalant style, and teamed with a printed Bob Dylan T-shirt, she gets a flawless and adorable look!

In this image, Jenny looks so sweet and shows us how to wear that floral summer print dress perfectly. Looking happy and comfortable is the key, and with that smile the sun will be shining on. It is this kind of look that makes Jenny Lewis such an engaging being, confirming her status as the ultimate girl next door style icon. It may seem a bit anticlimactic, but it’s what she does best!

What do you think of Jenny’s style? Which celebrities inspire you?!

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26 Responses to Style Icon: Jenny Lewis

I’m totally inspired by Jenny Lewis’s style and music. Portions for Foxes was my anthem for my junior year of high school, it was incredible, she’s so talented!
I’m also inspired by zooey deschanel I suppose, but I’m still not brave enough to dress quite like either of these two incredible ladies yet!

Thanks for your comments everyone! I totally love her style, and am glad you all agree.
Amy, I hadn’t even heard of Troop Beverly Hills until I started writing! Nobody in the office could believe it either. And The Wizard?? what’s that??!!

she is my favorite singer ever ever ever. i saw her perform in june & i couldn’t even contain my joy. she was wearing wide leg retro-style jeans and a black t-shirt with some sparkly stripes – but she made something so simple look amazing.

WOW.
You know I must admit that I’ve never heard of Jenny before, but I’m glad that I have! After reading about her I cant wait to download her music and watch her style more closely I just love a girl who likes to style herself in a girlish European feminine way!

Jenny Lewis has gotten more and more adorable as she has aged. I first saw her in 2004, I think, with Rilo Kiley, and I saw her solo supporting Acid Tongue last June. SHE IS SO CUTE AND TINY. Also for people who haven’t heard her before, I think Acid Tongue is a better album than Rabbit Fur Coat.

I was so happy to see this post! I have seen Jenny Lewis in concert twice with Rilo Kiley and twice solo and each time I am struck by her ability to effortlessly connect with and charm the crowd, and by how very generous she is with her audience. I also am completely inspired by her style! She is, quite simply, a real rock star!